Trump questions whether Vance has what it takes to lead MAGA: Report

US President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about whether Vice President JD Vance has the ability to eventually lead the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement ahead of the 2028 presidential race, according to a report by The New York Times.

The report, citing conversations with aides and allies, said Trump has repeatedly questioned Vance's political future despite continuing to involve him in major decisions and positioning him as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.

Trump has frequently asked those around him, "Does JD Vance have what it takes to go all the way?" The report said the president often answers the question himself, admitting he is not entirely convinced.



Trump has conducted informal straw polls among political allies, asking whether they would prefer Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead the Republican Party in the future. The comparisons have fuelled speculation about who could eventually succeed Trump as the face of the MAGA movement.

Trump has reportedly argued on multiple occasions that Vance would not have won his Ohio Senate race without his endorsement.

The relationship between the two is complex, said the report, as Trump keeps valuing Vance's loyalty while also openly criticising him over policy decisions, political performance and personal habits.

Trump has criticised Vance on several fronts, including his initial resistance to military action against Iran and a diplomatic mission to Pakistan that failed to achieve its intended goals.

The president has also reportedly mocked Vance over personal matters, including the number of holidays he takes and his tendency to interrupt conversations during meetings.

Trump is also said to have repeatedly joked about an incident in which Vance dropped Ohio State University's national championship trophy during a White House event, remarking that he was glad it was not he who fumbled it.

The report added that Trump has been annoyed by Vance's online activity. While Trump remains highly active on Truth Social, he reportedly views Vance's public arguments with critics on social media as beneath the office of vice president.

Despite the criticism, Trump continues to value Vance's loyalty above all else. White House officials have dismissed suggestions of a rift, saying Vance remains one of the most empowered vice presidents in modern US history and continues to enjoy Trump's trust.

Catch all LIVE updates on the US-Iran conflict here.